Moto3 Brno: Masbou takes first win in thrilling race

Alexis Masbou lead a string of riders over the line in an incredibly close Czech Republic Moto3 Grand Prix at Brno, Alex Rins celebrates one lap early.

Alexis Masbou powered across the line at the head of a 16-rider group to win the Czech Republic Moto3 race at Brno.

The Ongetta-Rivacold slipstreamed past Enea Bastianini and Danny Kent for the top spot on the podium on the run to the line.

27 year-old Honda rider Masbou is the first French winner of a Grand Prix since Johann Zarco in the 125cc class back in 2011. It is his second podium appearance this year.

A new Moto3 winner at Brno was guaranteed as none of the riders competing in the class this season had previously won a world championship race at Brno and the fight at the front was fierce.

The pack continued to touch wheels and swap paint all the way to the line with rookie Bastianini, riding with a cracked right heel from his Friday crash, equalling his best result to date -taking second for KTM and the Junior Go&Fun Team.

After popping out of his seat to stay in the race Britain's Kent found himself down in ninth at the start of the final lap. Placing himself perfectly for every overtake, he had the drive to the line to snatch third for his best result of the season and Husqvarna's first podium.

Estrella Galicia 0,0 rider Alex Marquez was the first Spaniard to take the flag in fourth and moves back into second in the championship 23 points behind Jack Miller who finished just behind him in fifth.

The Australian had been in the top three on the final lap but a great block by eventual race winner Masbou saw the Red Bull KTM lose pace and drop places.

Brad Binder was the top Mahnindra, finishing eighth for Ambrogio Racing after running at the front, losing position after a tough move by Bastianini affected his finish.

Alex Rins was ninth amid confusion. After crossing the line to start the final lap first, the Estrella Galicia man began to punch the air in celebration, falsly believing he had won the race.

Leader at the first turn; Isaac Vinales; finished tenth for Team Calvo.

Romano Fenati made his move for the front over the final five laps, setting a new circuit record on his way to eleventh for Sky Racing Team VR46.

Husqvarna's Niklas Ajo took twelfth beaten to the line by Fenati and still just a second shy of the winning finish time.

Front row starter Nico Antonelli lost out in the massive pack and battled hard for 13th for Junior Go&Fun. The final points went to home riders Jakub Kornfeil of Team Calvo and Red Bull's Karel Hanika in 14th and 15th respectively.

John McPhee found himself once again on the receiving end of an incident with Marc VDS new boy Jorge Navarro. McPhee stated he was squeezed by the Spanish rider around the outside until the contact brought them down, the British rider labelling Navarro an 'idiot' for the move. Navarro, who required medical attention in the gravel trap, claimed he was hit from behind.

Wild-card Gabriel Rodrigo also crashed out with seven laps remaining, with Luca Grunwald not lasting much longer before tumbling from his Kiefer Racing machine.